City-wide approach proposed to improve walking, wheeling and cycling networks in Sheffield

A Long-term investment plan which could see measures such as improved pavements and cycle facilities so that more people can walk and cycle more to local destinations will be discussed by the Council’s Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee next week.

The plan will build on the information the Council has gathered about what destinations people want to get to in their local communities and how it can be made easier for them to do so by walking, wheeling and cycling.

Over the next 6 months the plan will be developed and will include a three-pronged approach: projects currently underway; medium-term projects, looking ahead about 10 years; and a long-term vision of how the desired network will look by around 2045.

The proposals could include a range of measures such as wider pavements, more pedestrian crossings, measures to reduce vehicle speeds and segregated cycle routes, with current projects such as School Streets continuing as well, in a bid to make Sheffield more accessible for walking, wheeling and cycling and give people more choice about how they travel

Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield is changing, it’s transforming into a city fit for everyone. Along with the fantastic regeneration of a number of areas, including the Heart of the City, Attercliffe and Castlegate, we want to make it easier, safer and healthier for people to walk or cycle.

“We have ambitious plans, as part of our Transport Vision, to connect large parts of Sheffield through the improvement of walking and cycling routes, helping us to tackle congestion and give people a genuine choice about how they travel We’ll also be installing new facilities where current ones don’t exist.  Good active travel networks provide connectivity between different areas and a safe, pleasant, accessible environment for people to enjoy together”

“In our recent outreach we were keen to hear from people who do not usually respond to Council surveys. We were really pleased to reach people and hear views from local neighbourhoods about the barriers they face trying to make short journeys by walking, wheeling and cycling.

“This feedback is invaluable to us and we will incorporate it and build upon it as we move forward in devising the Investment Plan.”

Angela Argenzio, Chair of Adult Health and Social Care Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “By taking the opportunity to lead a more active life it will not only improve people’s health, it will improve air quality too. This work all links into the Fair and Healthy Sheffield Plan, which intends to close the unfair gaps in length and quality of life by prioritising improvements to the health and wellbeing of those who need it the most first. ”

The investment plan is being progressed in conjunction with a South Yorkshire family of Investment Plans for Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster and with a South Yorkshire Active Travel Strategy being developed by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.